The Presidential Memorial Certificate is an engraved parchment certificate with a calligraphic inscription expressing the nation's grateful recognition of a veteran's service. The veteran's name is inscribed and the certificate bears the signature of the president.
Eligibility
Certificates are issued in the name of honorably discharged, deceased veterans. Eligible recipients include next of kin, other relatives and friends. All eligible recipients can get certificates, there is no limit. The veteran may have died at any time in the past.
Veterans with an "other than dishonorable" discharge and members who died on active duty are eligible for the certificate.
Application Process
The VA will automatically present a Presidential Memorial Certificate to a veteran’s next of kin at the burial, when the veteran is buried in a national cemetery. If the veteran is being buried in a civilian or state cemetery their next-of-kin (or authorized representative) should request the Presidential Memorial Certificate in person at any VA regional office or by mail or fax. Requests cannot be sent via email.
To request a certificate, complete the VA Form 40-0247 Application for Presidential Memorial Certificate and enclose a copy of the veteran's discharge and death certificate to verify eligibility. The VA won't process any request without proof of honorable military service. Please submit copies only, as documents will not be returned to you.
A certificate may be requested by family members, relatives, friends or authorized representatives such as funeral homes.
Submit the paperwork and documents to the VA:
- Visit your local VA office
- Fax your request and all supporting documents (copy of discharge and death certificate) to: 800-455-7143, or
- Mail your request and all supporting documents using either the U.S. Postal Service or a commercial mail service, such as one of the overnight or express mail delivery services, to:
| Presidential Memorial Certificates (41B3) |
| National Cemetery Administration |
| 5109 Russell Road |
| Quantico, VA 22134-3903 |
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